Category Archives: Fairs and Festivals

Rajasthan is globally acclaimed for its royal grandeur, rich culture and vibrant festivals. The land of maharajas has something to offer to the connoisseurs of culture, adventure and vibrant celebrations. A one-of-its-kind horseback adventure – ‘Gallops of India’ is another exciting event in Rajasthan, which will take place in Mandawa from 2nd to 10th March this year.This edition is hosted in India is the 3rd in a row after Morocco and Oman. The adventure event was a huge international success with riders participating from different parts of the country.

This exemplary competitive endurance ride will witness 70 horse riders from all over the world riding the indigenous Marwari Breed covering a total distance of 200 km. The riders will participate from countries like Australia, Belgique, Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, Israël, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Oman, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. The prestigious 61st Cavalry of the Indian Army will also participate in the event.

The Gallops is the only equestrian event in the world which offers high adrenaline adventure that is simultaneously sporty, human and touristic. The Rajasthan Chief Minister, Mr Ashok Gehlot also congratulated the organizers for organizing an event to promote and popularize the Indian Marwari horse breed.

It is to be noted that the 1st edition of the Gallops took place in the Sultanate of Oman, with the support of its Majesty Sultan Qaboos, in the year 2014 with 110 riders from 10 different nations participating in the prestigious event.

Similarly, under the patronage of its Majesty, King Mohammed VI, Morocco hosted the 2nd edition of the grand marathon in February 2018 with 4 foreign teams from Oman, Germany, Ireland, France, Slovakia and Malaysia participating in the expedition.

Hundreds of kites dancing in the sky, and us- on our terrace. That’s the memory every Jaipurite has of Makar Sankranti. Kite-flying is one of the most favorite and zealous festivals in Jaipur. It’s not just about flying kites but also about the battleground that the sky becomes and the way the whole group of family and friends gather up on their terraces and hoot and shout along with the music.

But this is not all! There’s so much more to this festival and the day marks as one of the most auspicious occasions of the year. Here are some of the reasons Jaipurites put their heart and soul into celebrating Makar Sankranti.

1. Pavitra Snaan and Daan
While lakhs of people take dips into the Ganges on Makar Sankranti around the nation, scores of people also arrive at Galta Ji Temple in Jaipur to bathe in the seven holy kunds there. The day is celebrated to worship the Sun God. It is considered that taking dips in the kund at Galtaji on Makar Sankranti absolves us of all our sins.

To take a dip in the kund at Galta Ji Temple, you might as well trek up the small hill that exits the city from Galta and Surajpole gates. It’s a sight to behold when you see the amount of faith that Jaipurites put into worshipping on Makar Sankranti.

People around the country also believe that donating clothes, jaggery, corn, ground peanuts and sesame is a good omen and brings prosperity.

2. Harbinger of spring
Makar Sankranti falls on the equinox and the day and night are equally long. After this day, the days start to get longer and nights shorter. It also marks the onset of spring season. This also brings a welcome relief from the cold wave of the bygone winter.

3. The Harvest Festival
Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year as the harvest festival of the country. The Rabi crop is harvested in the month of January and corn, mustard, peanuts, sesame etc. are the major crops harvested at this time. One day before Sankranti, i.e. on Lohri the new crop is offered to god through worshipping fire.

4. Kite Buying
Kite buying is a serious affair in Jaipur. People don’t just by any random kites. They especially head to kite markets like Handipura, Haldiyon Ka Rasta, and Kishanpole bazaar to buy the best kites. It takes an understanding of the science behind the designing of kites in order to buy the best ones. You can find hundreds and thousands of kites in all shapes, sizes and designs according to your preference. Some of the popularly known designs of kites are Chaand-dara, Glass-dara, Mangal-dara, Aankhal-dara, Tripatta, Dadhiyal etc.

5. Kite- Flying

A true jaipurite knows how to fly a kite and the science applied behind it.

It takes a lot of patience, time and effort to prepare for kite flying. The night before Sankranti the whole family sits together to put ‘tang’ in kites with white saddha.

On Sankranti, everyone’s duty is sorted! Makar Sankranti food is all about pakode, moongfali, popcorn, khichadi, gajak, feeni, ladoo and papdi-chatand the children in the house go up and down the terrace for serving them. The youngsters become DJs playing the best songs the loudest.

And oh! What an art kite flying is. As soon as the ‘Dangal’ starts in the sky, you can hear “Woh kaata” every five seconds from a terrace or two around!

The evening sky

As the day sets in, the kites start to come down and gradually the whole sky is lit up with fireworks and paper lanterns known as “Tukkals” or “Kandeel.” The night view on Sankranti is absolutely mesmerizing and one of those experience that is hard to get over!

So if ever you plan to visit Jaipur during winter, make sure you don’t miss the intoxicatingly enthusiastic vibe of Makar Sankranti!

Happy 2019! Here comes the season when Rajasthan becomes a canvas of colours and merry day and night! It’s that time of the year when the land of Maharajas gives you an opportunity to live through the best celebrations of life, opulence, and chivalry through dance, music, colours, lights and food! Whenever a person thinks about Rajasthan, the first thing that comes to mind is the lively culture, courteous hospitality, soul-stirring music & dance, and royal heritage! You’re in a mood to drink in the vibrant galore of festivities in Rajasthan and Rajasthan Tourism Beat is ready with the first list of the festivals of 2019! Come, witness or take part in some of the most exciting, and amazing festivals of the state. Come; live through the best festival experience in Rajasthan.

Bikaner Camel Festival
12-13 January 2019

A vibrant event in the desert land of Bikaner, Camel Festival is organized by the Department of Tourism, Art & Culture Rajasthan every year. In the chilling winter of desert, Camel Festival fills the warmth with cultural evenings, local sports, art and craft fair and business of livestock. Watching decorated camels and men in attractive turbans offers an interesting frame to the photography enthusiasts.

Lohri
13th January 2019

Lohri is a festival connected with the solar year. The festival is celebrated mark the harvest season’s bliss. This is particularly a happy occasion for the couples from Sikh community, who would sing and dance around the campfire and share delicious delicacies made from jaggery and sesame.

Makar Sankranti
14th January 2019

Makar Sankranti festival coincides with the beginning of the sun’s northward journey, and falls on January 14 according to the solar calendar. Kite festival is the biggest attraction of Makar Sankranti in the pink city of Rajasthan. In Jaipur, this festival is a wonderful spectacle as kites take to the sky all across the state. While one can enjoy colourful kites in a variety of shapes and sizes, the celebration takes a mesmeric turn after sunset. Thousands of lanterns and firecrackers fill the sky with the light of joy on this festival. The Jal Mahal ki paal in Jaipur also hosts an international level Kite flying competition, which sees experts from across the world taking participation.

Jaipur Literature Festival
24th – 28th January 2019

As the largest FREE literary festival on earth, the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival brings together some of the greatest thinkers and writers from across South Asia and the world. From Nobel laureates to local language writers, Man Booker prize winners to debut novelists, every January the most remarkable, witty, sensitive and brilliant collection of people thong the Jaipur Literature Festival for not just literary sessions but for fashion update too, yeah you read it right!

A celebration of culture and adventure in the marvelous town of Bundi, Bundi festival is the occasion that turns the city into a vivid spectrum. The festival is spreading the colors of festivity on 26-28 November, 2018.

Partaking or witnessing the three-day long Bundi Festival in Rajasthan is a beautiful way to delight the adventurer inside you. With exciting activities, cultural performances and beautiful landscapes, Bundi Festival is one of the most invigorating experiences to make memories in Rajasthan.

Bundi, situated in Hadoti region of Rajasthan is set 35 km NW of Kota on NH 12.

It is a remarkable cluster of traditional art, culture and craftsmanship and visitors are left charmed by its magnificence. The programmes at Bundi festival includes a colourful grand procession, arts & crafts fair, ethnic sports, cultural exhibition, classical music & dance program, turban competitions, bridal clothing, musical band competitions, and a sparkling fireworks display.

Unlike other towns of Rajasthan which are crowded with tourists, Bundi is one place which is still able to preserve its charismatic charm. Bundi Festival is a marvelous festival of culture, celebrations, and fanfare!

The sacred town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, popularly known as ‘Teerth Raj’, is a kaleidoscope of life, colours and culture where people of different regions and nation’s flock to immerse in its cultural galore! For locals and foreigners alike, Pushkar, the city of absolute being has always been the destination of intrigue. What defines Rajasthan – where heritage meets architecture, culture meets legacy, nobility meets populace and colourful meets trippy – is what exemplifies Pushkar.

The vibrant city of Pushkar in Rajasthan comes alive during Pushkar Fair that raises the spirit of all. The annual Pushkar Fair is a spectacle that celebrates the rich culture of Rajasthan and the vibrant colours of the desert. But the Fair is not just about camels and livestock trading. This is the time when entire Pushkar town bustles with liveliness which is to be experienced and lived.

The film by PATHFYNDER– ‘Pushkar-Beyond Camels and Culture’ is an attempt to capture the same spirit of Pushkar Fair.

Timed to coincide with “Sharad Purnima” the brightest full moon of the year, this year being 24th -28th October in north India, Jodhpur RIFF features a series of mesmerizing concerts and spectacular events based in and around Mehrangarh Fort.
Mehrangarh Fort is voted “Asia’s Best Fortress” by Time Magazine.

India’s most magical destination festival, JodhpurRIFF combines the incredible setting of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur with an eclectic lineup of Indian and international artists in a 5-day musical extravaganza. The festival is a not-for-profit partnership project involving two of India’s leading heritage trusts: Mehrangarh Museum Trust and Jaipur Virasat Foundation.

Jodhpur RIFF’s festivities will be kicked off by a two and a half hour variety program of traditional Rajasthani music, also featuring excerpts from our main stage performances and ending in a rousing finale with drummers and dancers. So, if you’re planning a trip to Jodhpur and will be there between 24-28 October, you are in for quite the treat.

You must be wondering that the dry and arid land of Rajasthan has nothing but deserts and sand dunes. But if you think so sitting afar and simply agreeing with this statement, you are most welcome to the state of Rajasthan which not only revolves around monotonous brown sandy deserts. Rajasthan rich with its heritage, culture and traditions has a lot to offer to its guests. With fairs and festivities being celebrated throughout the year, Rajasthan is very vibrant and colourful.

Also to answer your question of it being a desert, Rajasthan have sufficient water to quench your thirst as many rivers flow through our land. Not only this, Rajasthan also has a hill station where you can head to, to beat the summer heat. Though the summer temperatures are as high as 50 degree Celsius, our hill station – Mt. Abu which is one of top 10 getaways from the state’s capital. Mt. Abu hosts a Summer Festival, to make you realize it is not that hot.

The three day Summer Festival is here again with its unique celebrations and festivities from 11th May to 13th May 2018. With the soulful ballad singing to mesmerizing folk dance forms like Gair, Ghoomar and Daph, the celebrations will kick off in style. The highlight of the Summer Festival this time is the Sham-e-Qawwali, which features some of the best folk singers from India. Some other events to keep you engaged in the beauty of the state are horse racing, tug of war, skating races, CRPF band show and boat races on the Nakki Lake.

Come down to Rajasthan to experience the summers with its unique chilly and windy evenings and make it a one of its kind.